Home / War and Conflict / D-Day Vet, 103, Finally Gets Lost Wartime Medals
D-Day Vet, 103, Finally Gets Lost Wartime Medals
11 Nov
Summary
- A 103-year-old D-Day veteran will receive his lost wartime medals.
- Douglas Halley served in the Royal Artillery during the Normandy landings.
- His medals were discovered after 80 years by a project founder.
A D-Day veteran, Douglas Halley, is finally being presented with his wartime medals, more than 80 years after his service. Approaching his 103rd birthday, Halley, who served in the Royal Artillery, will receive replacements for medals lost upon his discharge from the Army.
Halley participated in the Normandy landings in June 1944. He has recalled harrowing sights of fallen comrades and intense conflict, alongside a poignant memory of playing an organ in a French church.
His eligibility for the France and Germany Star, the 1939-45 Star, and the War Medal 1939-45 was identified this year by Joseph Smith of The Last Greats Project. Smith works to archive veterans' stories and connected with Halley's family.
The Ministry of Defence is issuing the medals, which Halley is pleased to receive and will pass down to younger family members. His grandson described feeling 'unbelievably proud' as the medals will be framed.
